A graveside will be held in North Dakota on May 24th, 2024. The family is all staying at the Prairie Nights Casino and Resort. Come and join the gathering to honor Rhea!
Rhea Annette Anderson of Miles City, passed away on September 27 in her home.
Rhea was born on October 17, 1951 to David and Helen (Matzke) Anderson in Valley City, ND. She was raised in Marion, ND where she attended school, graduating in 1969. While in high school, Rhea served on the student council and was very active in sports.
Upon graduation she enlisted in the U.S. Army, spending time in Germany. Her athleticism provided her with the opportunity to tour Europe as a member of the U.S. Army’s softball team. She was honorably discharged in 1974, returning to North Dakota and eventually finding her way to Miles City, Montana.
Her first job in Miles City was at the Olive Inn as a bartender. Being the active person that she was, Rhea joined a local softball team, the coach was a young man named Gregory Anderson. Greg and Rhea were united in marriage on September 20, 1975 in Marion, ND. Making their home in Miles City, Rhea was employed by Doeden’s Sand and Gravel until her retirement.
Rhea loved her garden, often sharing it’s bounty with neighbors and friends, she was known for her generosity, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She played softball for many years, she enjoyed her bowling and dart leagues with friends, and loved to travel.
She was proceeded in death by her husband Gregory, her parents, and a nephew. Her surviving relatives include her siblings, Moni (Jim) Haakenson of Dickey, ND, Penny (Danny) Pekarski, of Dickey, ND, Dallas and Jenny Anderson of Elko, NV, Ginger Anderson, of Valley City, ND, and Jay Anderson of Manhattan, MT. Rhea had 14 nieces and nephews, and 63 great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Rhea will be missed by family and friends in both North Dakota and Montana. There will be a celebration of life at the VFW beginning at 5:00 on Wednesday, October 4. Rhea will be interned at the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Mandan, ND at a later date.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday October 4, 2023
VFW
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
11:00 AM
Friday May 24, 2024
North Dakota Veterans Cemetery
1825 46th Street
Mandan, North Dakota 58554
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Charice Virag says
Oh you will be missed, my prayers for family go out with love!
Danette Olguin says
We will miss you Rhea! Your VITAMIN B12 at bingo will go on forever!
Marlyn Matzke says
Anderson cousin’s out thoughts and prayers are with you all! Rhea will be missed for sure!
Marlyn Matzke says
Anderson cousin’s our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Rhea will be missed for sure!
Mary Ann Murray says
I was just on the Nova Scotia trip with Rhea and really enjoyed her. So sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.
Debra says
Im gonna miss you
Michael Brabant says
Dart partner many years ago, will keep cheering for the Minnesota Vikings RIP RHEA
Barbara Hirsch says
Reach you are going to be missed by all who knew you. Alvin and I have known you for a long time. You were a great lady and Alvin thought a lot of you. He said you always said it like it is and that’s just the way you were. My granddaughter And great granddaughter loved you very much so I hope you are resting in peace and you and Alvin and the rest of them. Have a good time up there.
Kevin and Sheila Krausz says
We will miss visiting with Rhea. The neighborhood won’t be the same without her. Prayers for her family.
Dan J Hollowell says
Rhea was like a mother to all the concrete contractors in Miles City. She will be missed by us all.
Julie K says
I’m going to miss our road trips. The events at the fairgrounds. Horse racing. Most of all, I’m going to miss our nearly every day interaction as friends.
Rest in peace, my friend. My condolences to all your family and friends.
Darlene L Strobel says
Rhea was fun on the bus tours. We have been home from Maine, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Boston just six days…what a sad shock 😲😢💔
Darbie Karch and family says
Our family is going to miss you so much! U were a great neighbor and always so caring. The neighborhood will not be the same! Rest easy my dear friend! 💕 sending condolences to your family.
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Anderson family I am so sorry for the loss of Rhea. Rhea was an individual who always brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to be in her company. I can’t begin to tell you of the many decades of chariest pleasant memories that I was involved with Rhea and Greg. God bless you Rhra and I’m so sorry to see you leave us
Lissa says
RIP Rhea. I didn’t know she played softball in the army nor that she met her husband on a softball field. I played on a team w Rhea when I first moved to Miles City in the mid 80s. Rhea broke a finger sliding head first into 2nd base. Just doing the math, Rhea would have been mid thirties at the time she was sliding head first into bases. Rhea had a tough exterior but a kind heart. She will be missed.
Donna Leotholt-Taylor says
Rhea I am so glad we were able to catch up a few weeks ago. You will be missed.
Jeanette Bush says
Rhea was a one of a kind wonderful person! We went on several of the bus trips together and had so much fun! Absolutely loved her, she is so missed! Prayers and love to her family.
Dale and Jill F says
Rhea and Greg were great friends and also God Parents to our daughter. R.I.P. Rhea
Brian Manuel says
One of the most incredible people I ever knew. She and Greg took us in as their own kids and loved our boys as their grandkids when we lived next door. Will never forget her stern look as well as her laugh. Prayers to her family and may you be in the hands of the father now.
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
All of Rhea’s Family
I was so shocked to hear of her passing. God has gained an amazing Angel, Lady and Great Neighbor from our community. Her smile and conversations will be truly missed. She was loved by all who knew her. Always remember “When A Loved Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. She will always be a treasure in your and our hearts forever and not not forgotten. Treasure your memories of this amazing Lady as they will help thru difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Rhea’s Family.
Kim Peterson says
Rest In Peace my dear friend. You have been my friend for over 40 years. Life is definitely going to be different without you.
Mary Luhr says
I’m so glad we talked a few weeks ago and that I never gave you a bruise! You will be missed!
Pat Blumhorst says
You were a great lady and my honor to know you, God’s blessing to your family!
Carol Schuetzle says
Rhea’s family,
Sorry to hear of Rhea’s passing. Our thoughts, and prayers are with you. ((Hugs))
Rhea, we’re all are sure going to miss your spunk at Bingo and calling out Vitamin B12. It won’t be the same with out you, dear.
Warren and I enjoy see you and visiting with no matter where we were at, a dart tournament or in the grocery store.
Your one heck of lady and so glad to have such long friendship over years with you and Greg. I remember meeting you when Greg use come to get gas at the Conoco Quik Stop when I manager there many years ago.
Heaven definitely gain one spunky feisty angel 😇.
We love you Rhea 🩷
Carol and Warren Schuetzle
Gerald Backlund says
i always enjoyed working with you from the Custer County standpoint, but also with Doedens Consturction. You were always to the point, but had a heart of gold. You will be missed by many. Rest in Peace.